Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta

Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta, also known as conchiglioni, delivers a comforting, veggie-packed twist on a classic Italian favorite, featuring jumbo pasta shells filled with a creamy ricotta mixture blended with sautéed portobello mushrooms, tender kale, and pesto.

Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta Baked in marinara and topped with melted mozzarella, this hearty casserole brings rich flavor and satisfying texture to the table while still feeling fresh and wholesome. It’s sure to become one of your family’s favorite Pasta Recipes.

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Forty chefs from around the nation came together to create “Come to the Table,” which offers a delicious mix of cuisines from a variety of cultures, including this sampling of classic family favorites, sweet indulgences and family-style creations all inspired by what family means to each chef.

“Sales from this book will directly benefit the families we serve, so we are so grateful for each and every chef that has offered their time and talent to this cookbook,” said Jill Cumnock, CEO of Ronald McDonald House of Dallas.

Visit rmhdallas.org for more information and to order the cookbook. And a special thanks to chef Kevin Curry for this recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta is a comforting, veggie-packed dinner that feels indulgent without being heavy.

• Hearty and Satisfying: Jumbo pasta shells get filled with a creamy ricotta mixture that makes every bite filling and cozy.
• Loaded with Veggies: Portobello mushrooms and kale add rich flavor, texture, and balance to the dish.
• Flavor-Packed Layers: Garlic, pesto, marinara, and a spice blend create depth without complicated steps.
• Weeknight-Friendly: Simple prep and oven baking make this an easy option for busy evenings.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Melted mozzarella and saucy shells make this a dish everyone looks forward to eating.

Bake this recipe when comfort food cravings hit and a warm, satisfying meal is exactly what’s needed.

What Goes With Stuffed Shell Pasta

This Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta is rich, cheesy, and packed with savory vegetables, making it an ideal main dish to pair with lighter, fresh or slightly crisp sides that balance its comforting flavors.

• Garlic bread: Adds a crisp, buttery bite that’s perfect for scooping up extra marinara.
• Simple arugula salad: The peppery greens and light dressing cut through the richness of the ricotta and mozzarella.
• Roasted asparagus or broccolini: Offers a tender-crisp texture and subtle bitterness that complements the creamy filling.
• Caprese salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil echo the Italian flavors without feeling heavy.
• Italian chopped salad: Crunchy vegetables and a tangy vinaigrette provide contrast to the soft pasta shells.

Pairing this Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta with fresh, crisp sides creates a well-rounded meal that feels comforting yet balanced from the first bite to the last.

Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta

This Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta is the perfect cool weather comfort food to feed an entire family!

Family traditions and in-person connections are important parts of gatherings of loved ones, and many of those get-togethers are centered on food.

The entire family coming together around a table covered with warm, delicious food to share stories and create new memories is what makes mealtime special.

While I think of this baked stuffed shell pasta recipe perfect for cool weather, some of my Italian friends consider this an appetizer at Thanksgiving!

This recipe makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients for Stuffed Pasta Shells

• 6 ounces jumbo pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh garlic
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 5 portobello mushroom caps, gills removed then diced
• 1 pinch sea salt, plus additional, to taste
• 1 pinch pepper, plus additional, to taste
• 2 cups shredded kale
• 3 tablespoons water
• 15 ounces skim milk ricotta cheese
• 4 tablespoons pesto
• 1 tablespoon The Fit Cook Land spice blend
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat marinara, divided
• 1 1/2 cups reduced-fat mozzarella
• fresh herbs, for garnish

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Here’s a comforting baked pasta dish packed with savory mushrooms, creamy ricotta and melty cheese.

Here are the kitchen tools you’ll need:

• Large pot: to boil and cook the jumbo pasta shells.
• Colander: to drain the cooked pasta shells.
• Cast-iron casserole dish or large oven-safe pot: to sauté vegetables and assemble the stuffed shells.
• Cutting board: for prepping garlic, onion, mushrooms, and kale.
• Chef’s knife: to dice vegetables and remove mushroom gills.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: for sautéing and stirring vegetables.
• Large mixing bowl: to combine the ricotta filling with vegetables, pesto, and spices.
• Measuring cups and spoons: for oil, water, marinara, and seasonings.
• Spoon: to fill each pasta shell evenly.
• Aluminum foil: to cover the casserole dish while baking.

With these tools on hand, you’ll smoothly assemble and bake a hearty stuffed shell pasta that’s perfect for an easy, satisfying meal.

Directions for Baked Stuffed Shell Pasta

Step : Preheat oven to 420 F.

Step 2: Bring pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions. Drain then set aside.

Step 3: Heat pot or cast-iron casserole dish over medium heat. Once hot, add oil, garlic, onion and mushrooms. Add pinch of sea salt and pepper as it cooks. Cook until onions turn brown and mushrooms shrink in size, about 3-5 minutes. Empty contents and set aside.

Step 4: Place pot back over heat. Add shredded kale and water to create steam. Toss kale in pot until it turns vibrant green; set aside to cool.

Step 5: In large bowl, mix ricotta cheese with mushroom mixture, kale, pesto and spice blend.

Step 6: In casserole dish, spread about 1/2 cup marinara on bottom. Then one-by-one, stuff each pasta shell with approximately 2 tablespoons ricotta mixture and add to casserole dish. Repeat with remaining shells.

Step 7: Cover shells with remaining marinara and mozzarella cheese. Cover casserole dish with foil and bake 20 minutes. During final 5 minutes, remove foil so mozzarella can brown.

Step 8: Garnish with fresh herbs and salt and pepper, to taste.

More Pasta Recipes

Explore more pasta recipes that bring satisfying flavors and easy inspiration to the table.

• Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
• Slow Cooker Olive Garden Chicken Pasta
• Penne Alla Vodka
• Bratwurst Pasta with Spicy Cream Sauce
• Creamy Chicken Lasagna
• Crab Pasta
• Pecan Mac and Cheese Bake
• Bruschetta Chicken Pasta
• Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

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